CLUB STATEMENT ON GRAHAM BARROW

Graham Barrow leaves Wigan Athletic, along with three other staff members.

Graham Barrow leaves Wigan Athletic.

Barrow leaves Latics after 15-year association spanning 36 years.

“We thank Graham for all he has done at the club” – David Sharpe.

Mick Rathbone, John Doolan and Jimmy Barrow also leave club.

Wigan Athletic can confirm that interim manager Graham Barrow has left the club, bringing to an end a 15-year association with Latics spanning 36 years.

Chairman David Sharpe said: “Graham has spent a large part of his professional career with Wigan Athletic over three spells, and has been with us during the highs and lows of the past eight years. On behalf of everyone at the club and all our supporters, I want to thank him for all his hard work during his time with Wigan Athletic.

“Graham has been a great servant to the club as a player, a manager and a coach and on behalf of everyone at Wigan Athletic, we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Barrow returned to Wigan Athletic as a coach under Roberto Martinez in 2009, taking charge of the Development Squad and as a first team coach. He then worked as Assistant Manager under subsequent managers, during which time he was twice called upon to take charge of the first team, in November 2013 and October 2016. He then led Latics to two victories and two draws in his nine games in interim charge from March to May last season.

Previously, he was manager of the side between 1994 and 1995, helping the club rise away from the foot of the Football League.

As a player he made 212 appearances in all competitions between 1981 and 1986, scoring 44 goals as a combative central midfielder, winning promotion to Division Three in 1982 and the Freight Rover Trophy in 1985. He first joined the club in July 1981 when he signed from Altrincham.

It can also be confirmed that Head of Medical Mick Rathbone, who joined Latics in January, and Interim First Team coach John Doolan, who came in to assist Barrow in March, have left the club.

First Team Fitness Coach Jimmy Barrow, who has been with the club since 2013, has left to take up a role at another club.

David Sharpe added: "We thank all three for their efforts whilst with us and wish them all the best for the future."